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The upgrades, by Kelsen Technical Ltd, marks the start of a £6m refit of the Maid and Balloch Pier, subject to a £3.8m Heritage Lottery Fund donation which will be announced next week.

John Beveridge, Director of Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said: "Balloch Pier has been home to Maid of the Loch for many years now, and this work is the first piece of construction, and indeed stepping stones, towards the £6m refurbishment of the Maid and Pier."

Work has already commenced to repair and replace missing stonework, repoint and remove the original billboards, fastenings and supports which have been significantly damaged over the years owing to weather exposure.

The project is expected to take up to three weeks to complete.

John added: "After all the years of fundraising it's a significant milestone to see work actually taking place.

"Visitors to the Maid will be able to view the work taking place during this exciting development, and we hope this will be the beginning of many projects to come as we bring her back to life next year."